Guest Lecture by Entrepreneur and Investor Volodymyr Zhygaylo: Secrets to Startup Success
On March 4, students of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv had a unique opportunity to engage with Volodymyr Zhygaylo, an entrepreneur, investor, and startup mentor, as well as a key sponsor of the student startup competition at Lviv University – Lviv Startup Fest. The lecture, “How to Achieve Success in a Start-up,” was part of the Department of Management’s European Management Studio initiative to improve management education through collaboration with the business sector.
The topic and speaker generated significant interest among students, leading to two separate events attended by over 200 participants from Lviv University. Primarily, these were students of the elective “Startup Management” course, available to all students of Lviv University (lecturer – Assoc. Prof. Marianna Kokhan) and those enrolled in the “Management and Administration” program within the “Leadership and Groups Dynamic” course (Assoc. Prof. Nataliya Danylevych).
Volodymyr Zhygaylo, a graduate of the Faculty of Economics at Lviv University, is a successful entrepreneur, founder, and CEO of the outsourcing company Appexoft, as well as a co-founder of the eco-taxi service Friendly. In addition to his business activities, he actively supports the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the AppexFoundation, financing the purchase of essential equipment, medical supplies, and assistance for wounded soldiers.
Volodymyr Zhygaylo has achieved remarkable success in managing and growing his company. Over eight years, the startup he founded has evolved into a global business with a team of 250 employees. The company operates stably in international markets, developing innovative solutions for clients worldwide. According to Volodymyr, the path to business success begins with cultivating the right entrepreneurial mindset—a desire to change the world, identify problems, and seek innovative solutions. A thorough market analysis, identifying a unique idea, and understanding potential customers’ needs are the keys to a successful startup.
A significant part of the presentation focused on team building and operations. The success of a startup is impossible without individuals who share common values, possess complementary skills, and are committed to working toward a shared goal.
Students were also introduced to current funding options, including grants, crowdfunding, investor backing, and bank loans. In this context, Volodymyr Zhygaylo highlighted opportunities for participation in Lviv Startup Fest – Lviv University’s platform for young entrepreneurs, where they can present their projects, receive feedback from investors, and even secure funding for implementation.
The lecture featured an interactive format, with students actively engaging in discussions, asking numerous questions about both the practical aspects of startup development and the speaker’s personal experience. Topics of discussion included team building, attracting investments, integrating artificial intelligence into business, and preparing effective presentations for potential investors. The most engaged participants received awards and prizes, serving as a valuable encouragement for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Students highly appreciated the speaker’s practical advice and motivational approach. “This was an incredibly useful event that inspired me to develop my own project!” said one of the attendees. We extend our gratitude to Volodymyr Zhygaylo for his inspiration and valuable insights! This lecture marked another step in fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among students at Lviv University.
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